Woodbine: Colleen’s Sailor takes a step back to find victory

Colleen's Sailor, who ran in all three legs of the Canadian Triple Crown last year, will take a step back when he starts in a $40,000 conditioned claimer going seven furlongs Wednesday.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Colleen’s Sailor gets some noteworthy class relief in the third race Wednesday night at Woodbine, in a $40,000 conditioned claimer going seven furlongs on the Polytrack.

Colleen’s Sailor had a productive 3-year-old campaign last year, under the guidance of Roger Attfield. He ran in all three legs of the Canadian Triple Crown, finishing fourth in the Queen’s Plate, third in the Prince of Wales Stakes, and then 12th in the Breeders’ Stakes on the grass.

Colleen’s Sailor made all three of his previous starts this year in second-level optional-claiming company. Following an eight-month layoff, he flashed some speed before fading to sixth in a May 12 race where Consolidator Joe lowered the 6 1/2-furlong Polytrack record.

Colleen’s Sailor did not start again until Aug. 11, when he trailed an eight-horse field going six furlongs on the grass. Most recently on Sept. 1, he was a vastly improved fourth after racing wide over an inside-biased Polytrack.

Tyler Pizarro has the mount on Colleen’s Sailor, who is making his first start with a selling price.

Citius, a five-time winner, is eligible for this nonwinners-of-three event because it allows for Ontario-sired runners with any number of victories.

Citius captured two Ontario-sired stakes early in his career. He has since evolved into a consistent and versatile middle claimer for trainer Ralph Biamonte, who bred the 5-year-old gelding.

Citius found the mark in a six-furlong dash May 31 and went on to finish second and fourth in two other races at this level, which were both on the grass. He dropped a nose decision last time out in an open $32,000 claimer, after stalking a slow pace in the seven-furlong sprint on the Polytrack. Leading jockey Luis Contreras will ride him again.

King City beat Ontario-sired nonwinners-of-three allowance opposition a month ago under Contreras, after placing in three straight tries at that class. His new rider, Patrick Husbands, returned to action last Friday after breaking his leg in a spill in May.

Wonderful Breeze outlasted nonwinners-of-two stock in a $40,000 claimer when he came off the sidelines July 20. After a poor allowance outing Aug. 10, he checked in third in a route at this $40,000 level.

Sky of Grey raced wide throughout over an inside-favoring track when sixth behind third-place Wonderful Breeze on Sept. 1. He was a respectable fourth behind the talented future stakes winner Ultimate Destiny the last time he tried seven furlongs in a May 25 allowance.